Headaches and Migraines: Movement-Focused Care in Overland Park

Headaches and migraines can affect focus, sleep, and daily life, especially when they keep returning after medication, stretching, or basic chiropractic care.

Many of the patients we see in Overland Park and Leawood report recurring pressure, tightness, or ache that seems to start in the neck or upper back. Rather than treating only the pain, we look at how posture, neck mechanics, and movement tolerance contribute to headache sensitivity.

At Move Muscle and Joint, our approach combines chiropractic care, myofascial release therapy, shockwave when appropriate, and targeted rehab to reduce irritation, improve mobility, and help your body tolerate movement again without flare-ups.

Our goal is not only fewer headaches but better movement, more energy, and confidence in how your body feels day-to-day.

Common Headache Types We Treat

Patients commonly seek care for:

• Tension headaches related to desk and computer work
• Cervicogenic headaches originating from the neck
• Forward-head posture and strain headaches
• Stress and muscle-tightness headaches
• Exercise or lifting-related headaches
• Migraines aggravated by movement or muscle sensitivity

We frequently see patterns such as:

• Limited cervical rotation or extension
• Tightness in the suboccipital and upper cervical area
• Shoulder and upper-thoracic stiffness
• Over-recruitment of small stabilizer muscles
• Reduced rib and upper-back mobility

These restrictions increase strain in the neck and can refer pain upward into the head.

Signs Your Headaches May Be Movement-Related

Movement-based care may be appropriate if headaches:

• Get worse after sitting, driving, or screen time
• Improve temporarily after massage or stretching but return again
• Begin at the base of the skull and move upward
• Are triggered by turning the head or looking down
• Occur with upper-back or shoulder tightness

Many patients describe feeling tight and restricted instead of only in pain. When mobility and control improve, headache frequency often decreases.

How Our Treatment Approach Is Different

Instead of chasing symptoms session-to-session, we focus on restoring function and movement capacity.

Patients Who Commonly Benefit From Care

We frequently help:

• Desk and remote professionals in Overland Park and Leawood
• Students and computer-based workers
• Weightlifters and recreational athletes
• Busy parents with stress-related tightness
• Individuals recovering from old neck or whiplash injuries

Care is one-on-one, intentional, and built around how you live, work, and move.

When Headaches Require Referral

Your safety always comes first.

We refer out immediately for:

• Sudden severe headache
• Vision or speech changes
• Headache after trauma
• Neurological symptoms or numbness
• Unexplained dizziness or fainting
• New onset headache over age 50

We coordinate with your PCP or neurology provider when appropriate.

What To Expect At Your First Visit

Your first visit includes:

• A detailed movement and cervical assessment
• Hands-on treatment
• Targeted rehab progressions
• Guidance on triggers and recovery strategy

You leave with a clear plan, not endless weekly appointments.

Ready To Take The Next Step?

If headaches or migraines are limiting your day, there is often a meaningful movement component that can be improved.

If you live in Overland Park, Leawood, or the Kansas City metro, we would be glad to help. Book your appointment online or contact our clinic to schedule your visit.